The winter of 1969-70 was my first school year overseas. What a beautiful place to spend a winter. I don't remember that I was aware of a long winter or shorter days. But I do remember the snow and the cold.
In the early fall they stocked heavy winter parkas in the Exchange. I bought a black parka with long, white wolverine fur encircling the hood. I felt that would be adequate for the winter. But before things got too cold, we discovered another yearly tradition. We ventured 32 miles down the only highway to the Indian village of Northwest River. There we went shopping at the Hudson Bay Store. I bought one of their signature red blankets with the black strip on either end. Then we went down to Mrs. Rich's house in Goose Bay, back near the Air Force Base, to be measured for the Hudson Bay winter coat and matching gloves that she would make from the blanket. She was so clever that she finished the coat with the black stripe running along the bottom edge of the coat. The only 'material' added was a black fur (mink, I think) around the hole of the gloves where we inserted our hands.
Now I was ready for the winter.
I still have those two coats in my attic. Someday (when I lose a few pounds) I'll be able to put the red coat on again!
